International Women’s Day: Celebrating the Women of The McGuire Programme
Every year on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements, strength, and contributions of women around the world. At The McGuire Programme, today is also an opportunity to recognise the many women who play an essential role in our global community.
Across the programme, women contribute at every level, as members, coaches, course instructors, regional directors, administrators, and leaders who help guide others through the process of overcoming stuttering.
Their impact is enormous.
Women Who Lead, Support, and Inspire
The McGuire Programme has always been built on the principle of members helping members. Many of the women who join the programme eventually go on to become coaches and instructors, supporting new members as they face the same fears and challenges they once did themselves.
We see women leading courses, organising events, running online support groups, mentoring new members, and representing the programme across many regions of the world.
They bring empathy, strength, discipline, humour, and insight to the work we do together.
And their presence is vital.
Women and Stuttering
Statistically, stuttering is more common in males than females. Research consistently shows that approximately three to four males stutter for every one female who stutters.
This means that many women who stutter often grow up feeling particularly isolated, sometimes being the only girl in a classroom or social group dealing with this challenge.
Because of this imbalance, it is incredibly important that women in the programme see other women succeeding, leading, and speaking with confidence.
Representation matters.
When a new female member joins a course and sees women standing up, speaking openly, coaching others, and leading sessions, it sends a powerful message:
“You belong here too.”
Strength in Community
One of the unique aspects of The McGuire Programme is the strong community that forms between members. For many women, connecting with others who truly understand the experience of stuttering can be life-changing.
Many regions also host women-led discussions or informal meetups, providing an opportunity for female members to connect, share experiences, and support one another within the broader McGuire community.
These spaces often lead to powerful conversations, friendships, and mutual encouragement.
Courage in Action
Every McGuire Programme course involves stepping outside comfort zones.
Speaking to strangers.
Standing up in front of a group.
Disclosing stuttering openly.
Taking control instead of avoiding.
For many women who have spent years hiding their stutter or trying to blend into the background, these moments represent acts of real courage.
Watching that transformation, from fear to control, from silence to confident speech, is one of the most inspiring parts of every course.
And women across the programme demonstrate that courage every day.
Thank You
Today we want to say thank you to all the incredible women who are part of The McGuire Programme.
To the members who show up and do the work.
To the coaches who give their time to support others.
To the instructors and regional directors who lead courses around the world.
And to the many volunteers and administrators working behind the scenes.
Your strength, dedication, and leadership continue to shape this programme and inspire countless others on their speaking journey.
Happy International Women’s Day from all of us at The McGuire Programme.
